Sometime in late April, just about every year, people who follow me on Facebook will be greeted by a single-word, all-caps post.
HUMMINGBIRD!
Gayle Nastasi, animal consultant and author
Whatever adventures life holds in store for you, know that I send you courage, fortitude, and love. And know that, as long as you have your beloved animal companions beside you (even those who are only now beside you in spirit) … you will never walk alone.
There are many myths and misconceptions about ticks and tick-borne diseases. In the May/June Creature Thoughts, I attempt to dispel a few of these.
I hope, however, that you can still listen for the birdsong. Stand in the crisp, clear, cold, with your eyes closed, for just a moment, and open your heart. Hear the distant trill, the chirrup, and the warble, and know from the depths of your soul that you are hearing the promise of spring.
Everyone knows I love birds. I’ve been a bird-watcher since early childhood. Some of my favorite early memories involve lying in my Aunt Sis’s hammock as she taught me all about the birds that visited her feeders. I am now so fortunate to live in a place where I am surrounded by miles of natural habitat. From my vantage point, with all of the wonderful species I see every day, I would never have guessed that nearly 3 billion birds have disappeared from North America since the 1970s.
I know that Stars would want to thank everyone, all her friends and fans, for all of the love that has been sent her way. Some might say a Starling wouldn’t understand enough to feel grateful for such love. But I know, and you know, that Stars would. She would call you all her hamsters, her very favorite word to use about things that made her happy. And you are all my hamsters, too.